The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) is preparing for a possible pause in trash, recycling, and mechanical street sweeping operations this week to protect frontline sanitation workers. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Wednesday, August 28, warning that the heat index could climb to over 96 degrees. Recognizing the unique challenges Solid Waste workers face while performing their essential duties, DPW is reevaluating its operations to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of this vital workforce.

Due to the extended tornado watch issued for the Baltimore area by the National Weather Service, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) is cancelling ALL Solid Waste services today, Friday, August 9. In addition to the suspension of trash and recycling collections and mechanical street sweeping services, DPW is suspending operations at the Quarantine Road Landfill and at the Northwest Transfer Station and closing all Residential Drop-Off Centers.

In response to the tragic death of Department of Public Works (DPW) crewmember Ronald Silver II at the end of last week and as part of our ongoing commitment to employee safety, DPW will conduct a mandatory heat safety training session on Tuesday, August 6. This session will focus on the Occupational Safety Health Administration’s guidelines for recognizing the signs and symptoms of heat stroke and related illnesses and ensure employees recognize heat stress hazards and act appropriately to address those hazards. It is required for all employees from the Reedbird and Bowleys Lane facilities. Transportation will be provided to accommodate all staff.

Today, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) is announcing that its 2023 Water Quality Report is available online. This annual report provides Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Howard County residents with important information about where the City’s drinking water comes from, what chemicals it contains, and how it meets federal standards for tap water. In this report, DPW highlights our employees who monitor and treat the water from the City’s reservoirs, Loch Raven, Liberty, and Prettyboy, and take steps to safeguard the water throughout the distribution process.